A local Senedd Member has called for a series of broader improvements to be brought in at Tenby Train Station - such as toilet and cafe facilities, that would make a ‘meaningful difference’ - particularly given the seaside town’s importance as a busy and popular destination.

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Senedd Member, Samuel Kurtz recently visited Tenby Railway Station to meet the contractor who will be delivering works under the ‘Access for All’ scheme, helping to improve accessibility at the station.

Following feedback from residents in Tenby and the wider community, Mr Kurtz has now written to the UK Government Minister to urge that this project should mark the beginning of broader improvements at the station, including:

• toilets for passengers

• better use of the station building, such as a café or similar facility

• a general tidy-up of the station, including weeding and painting

“Tenby is a premier destination, and it is only right that its railway station reflects that standard too,” remarked Mr Kurtz.

Passengers using the popular Pembrokeshire station are set to enjoy easier, more accessible journeys thanks to Network Rail’s upcoming upgrades.

Supported by the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, and the Welsh Government, the project will see the construction of a brand-new fully accessible footbridge complete with lifts.

Once complete, the upgrades will make a real difference for disabled people, parents with pushchairs, and those carrying luggage - helping to make rail travel more inclusive and convenient.

However, in his correspondence sent to Ken Skates, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Mr Kurtz thanked the Senedd Member for the ‘commitment already shown’ for the ‘Access for All’ investment, which has been warmly received locally, but stated that he looked forward to ‘continued engagement’ on the future of Tenby Railway Station.

Mr Kurtz wrote: “I have visited the station and met contractors on site, and having long called for greater investment into the rail infrastructure in Pembrokeshire, I was encouraged by the project and the commitment to improving accessibility.

“This investment will make a meaningful difference, particularly given Tenby's importance as a busy and popular destination.

“As work continues, there is strong local feeling that this investment should form part of a wider, longer term vision for the station.

“One consistent issue raised is the absence of toilet facilities, which presents real difficulties for passengers given the station's high footfall and family friendly tourism profile.

“There is also scope to make better use of the station building itself. Facilities such as a small cafe or refreshment outlet would enhance the passenger experience and better reflect Tenby's status as a gateway town.

“In addition, relatively modest improvements to the station's appearance, such as general tidying and the removal of weeds from guttering, would help make it more attractive and welcoming.

“I would encourage consideration of how the current programme can act as a platform for further enhancements, working collaboratively with the Welsh Government and Network Rail.

“Even limited additional investment could deliver significant benefits for passengers and the wider community,” added Mr Kurtz,